Hampden Heritage (2 miles)
Hampden Park on the south side of Glasgow was constructed in 1903 and hosts international and major domestic football matches, as well as other sporting and musical events. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the turnstiles every year but not many will be aware of the fact that the original incarnation of the ground can be found nearby. Indeed the two centre spots are merely 500 yards apart as the crow flies. The closest railway station to Hampden is Mount Florida which has frequent services from Glasgow Central.
Proceed on to Cathcart Road from the station and turn right up Prospecthill Road. After 300 yards there is a path to the left leading into Cathkin Park. This is the old Hampden which was taken over by Third Lanark FC who played very successfully as a professional club until going bankrupt in 1967. Although the structures have long since been removed, the place is still instantly recognisable as a football ground and quite a bit of the old terracing remains. Make your way around Cathkin and exit at the far end.
Join Aitkenhead Road and sweep round to Hampden Park - the home of the Scottish national team. The stadium is actually owned by Queens Park FC - an amateur outfit who play in the lower reaches of the Scottish League. Why is such a vast ground controlled by a minor club? The answer lies in the later stages of the 19th century when modern football was established and became a very popular spectator sport. Initially all clubs were amateur and Queens Park led the way - winning the Scottish Cup on many occasions. As professionalism took hold, QP resisted and their influence waned but they invested their funds in the construction of the present-day Hampden.
The Scottish Football Museum is located inside the stadium and the entrance is at the back of the South Stand adjacent to the car park. a highly impressive collection of memorabilia is featured within and the entire story of our national sport is told. Don't miss the Hall of Fame - featuring profiles of the most influential players to don the dark blue jersey.
A little further down Cathcart Road is The Clockwork Beer Company which brews its own ale and also serves guest beers. The perfect refreshment stop before heading back to the station.
